In his State of the Union speech Tuesday, President Obama announced special new benefits only for employees of government contractors. Via executive order, he raised the minimum wage for employees of federal government contractors to $10.10 per hour, a 32 percent increase over North Carolina’s current $7.65 minimum wage.

There are two at-large positions now open on the Libertarian Party of North Carolina Executive Committee. Any party member interesting in filling these positions should contact LPNC Chair J.J. Summerell.

The vacancies occurred when the EC accepted the resignations of Jon Byers and Britton Correll. Under the LPNC bylaws, an EC member who misses three consecutive meetings is considered to have resigned.

The Libertarian Party of North Carolina's new executive director believes the growing public dissatisfaction with the government in general and the “two-party” system in particular offers a new opportunity to move public policy in a more libertarian direction.

The Libertarian Party of North Carolina Executive Committee appointed Bjorn Pedersonof Durham as Political Director. He replaces Erik Raudesep, who had to step down from that position because of a business opportunity. Raudesep remains an at-large member of the Executive Committee.

Ken Penkowsi of Raleigh was appointed to fill a vacant at-large position on the EC.